nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

Have a good friend that has built a 1955 Chevrolet to have some fun with. He believes in 3 pedals on the floor and there in lies the problem. He has a total of 2 runs on it and has tore the lining off of the clutch. It's Ram power grip diaphragm clutch recommended by the fine techs at Summit. Who do you recommend he talk to at Ram or McLeod. He's coming back to drag racing after a 40 year lay off and I sure don't want him to get discouraged.
Thanks.
Pete

I should add that he is running a 350 that is probably making 400 to 425 hp, 4.56 gear and 28x9-15 Mickey Thompson slicks.

Re: nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

Maybe the clutch wasn't broken in yet, that clutch should be fine at that power level. If the surfaces were freshly machined I could see the organic side pulling loose with too much grip while the metallic side was still slipping.

If it's pretty even 50/50 street strip, I would use that same PP and step up to a 900 series iron disc. Engagement would be a little harsh, but harsh engagement can be mechanically buffered without too much trouble.

Re: nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

Here's an example of what I mean by a clutch can be mechanically buffered. These are a series of pressure curves from a hydraulic throwout bearing acting against a 2800lb Ram diaphragm PP, buffered with one of my ClutchTamers...

http://grannys.tripod.com/clutchtame...alhitgraph.jpg

The lines represent different levels of clamp pressure that is initially withheld upon pedal release, then that withheld clamp is allowed to gradually come in at a slower rate. This allows the clutch to hit hard enough to launch the car effectively, but not so hard that the clutch either blows the tires off or causes the engine to bog. Basically it's just a different way to "adjust" a clutch's behavior to find the sweet spot.

Here's a graph that shows different rates of feeding in the withheld clamp pressure...

http://grannys.tripod.com/clutchtamerdelaygraph.jpg

Here's a link to my website that might help explain the concept... http://clutchtamer.com
It's pretty easy to build something like this yourself using hardware store materials that might have been available back in the day.

Such a scheme might not be in the spirit of a nostalgia racer, but neither will a modern adjustable clutch.

Re: nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

Pete, if your friend has the original style rear end and transmission in his '55, I think he should avoide a diaphragm pressure plate. I tried one in my '56 Chevy Jr Stocker, I was fooled by the low pedal pressure. Those things are very severe. I broke stuff every time I put that thing in. Good friends of mine had a clutch rebuilding shop in the same building as my first shop. We played with pressure plates, and spring pressure. I ended up with a Long (Ford style) pressure plate.

Re: nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

It's probably a good thing the disc is failing otherwise as Ed pointed out the trans or rear end would be hurt. Tim Hyatts son has taken over Hyatt racing clutches since Tim passed away. He would be another place to contact. Whatever you do avoid the mail order places for a performance clutch as it will be a 2000+ pressure plate and a drivetrain killer. A Long style adjustable with lower base and the right disc is what is needed. It does not need to be the latest wiz bang clutch.

Sean

Re: nostalgia racer 1955 chevrolet stick shift
 

Weedburner was right it ripped the organic material off the face of the clutch disk. He is debating on going with a long style adjustable clutch or using a clutch tamer.
Thanks to all who responded. Said it sure was fun for almost 2 runs.
Pete